Scrutineer dwarfed by barrel at first NSW state lottery

In August 1931, people queued over several blocks hoping to score the winning lottery ticket.

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In a bid to fund state hospitals during the Great Depression, the newly elected New South Wales government introduced a state lottery. This was despite vocal opposition from the church and the Opposition. Unemployment neared 30 percent, and in August 1931, people queued over several blocks, hoping to score the winning ticket and alleviate their financial woes. On August 20, the Attorney-General, armed with a long scoop, removed winning wooden marbles from an enormous lottery barrel of 100,000 entries. More than 800 prizes were drawn, ranging from £5000 to £5. Manly housewife Eileen Morton shared first prize with her grandmother. The £5000 winnings went towards buying a house and a cruise to Fiji. (National Library of Australia)